US–Cuba Sanctions: Washington expanded sanctions on Cuba’s construction, mining and metals-linked entities, including the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Nickel Company, tightening pressure on the island’s access to commerce. Gold Output Push (Uganda): Euro Gold Refinery launched a Yumbe gold project targeting up to 20kg per week as Uganda pushes formalisation and mercury-free operations. Ghana Value-Add Debate: A new commentary argues Ghana exports too much raw output (including gold) while importing higher-value finished goods, leaving jobs and profits elsewhere. Nigeria Steel Revival: The federal government signed an agreement to revive Delta Steel Company, aiming to restart a long-idled asset and create industrial jobs. Precious Metals Rally: Gold and silver climbed as the dollar weakened and US Treasury bond buybacks supported bullion demand. Copper Supply Risk (Peru): MMG’s Las Bambas suspended operations after a workplace accident, with a progressive restart expected from Aug. 21. Critical Minerals Policy (Philippines): Marcos issued a framework to develop critical minerals, streamline permits, and boost downstream processing. Rare Earths Processing (Japan): Japan proposed widening JOGMEC’s overseas investment powers to speed rare-earth supply diversification. Safety & Community: Two died in a sand-mine wall collapse in Kenya’s Athi River; in Central African Republic, African Minerals Strategy Group called for stronger rules after a deadly gold mine collapse. Exploration Update (Argentina): NGEx’s Lunahuasi returned a major copper-equivalent intercept, strengthening the Vicuña district’s high-grade core. Seabed Mining Tension (Guam/CNMI): Guam is shut out of formal comments on a Mariana Trench lease sale, drawing fresh criticism over a rushed process.